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Showcasing Art in Affordable Housing Communities

Posted by Alanna.Lopez@beacondevgroup.com on Tue, Aug 26, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Beacon, California, Historic Buildings, Pennsylvania, Washington

Art has the unique ability to build connections that are inclusive and amplify the voice of a community or culture that can be lost in the complexity of modern urban planning.  In the housing communities we create, art is far more than an institutional design process, it is an essential thread that weaves vision, voice and community with the daily lives of residents. Murals, sculptures, and mosaics are brought to life by artists whose visions are deeply informed by the stories, traditions, and experiences of the people who call these places home. These creators—often with roots in the communities themselves—use their work to echo shared histories, express collective hopes, and celebrate cultural identities. Through their art, they foster a sense of pride and belonging, making public spaces feel genuinely lived-in and meaningful. This blog explores the vital role art and artists play in shaping community identity and honoring the diverse backgrounds of our residents.

Plaza Roberto Maestas: Art That Builds Belonging

Incorporating art into affordable housing has not always come easy. At Plaza Roberto Maestas, community collaboration and persistent advocacy allowed the presence of significant art and design elements including the plaza which has historical importance in Latino culture.  The plaza acts as a central gathering place, fostering social interaction, community building, and cultural expression that is enjoyed by the residents and the Beacon Hill community. The intricate tile artwork throughout reflects the multiracial culture and activism lead by the Four Amigos. The journey to include public art was visionary and took imagination. Today, these vibrant pieces enrich the lives of residents and stand as symbols of what’s possible when community and creativity converge.


Four Amigos: A Beloved Community in Color

Located in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood, the Four Amigos Beloved Community is not just a home, it is a visual landmark. With exterior walls painted in hues of blue and white to mirror the open sky, the building immediately catches the eye. But it is art that truly brings space to life. Step closer, and you will find a striking mural rising from the courtyard, created by artists Fulgencio Lazo, Maria Guillen, and Jesus Mena.” It is my hope that this sculpture in metal will be a visual reminder of our collective commitment to embrace our cultural identities.” – Fulgencio Lazo.

The theme, Mestizaje—meaning racial and cultural mixture—celebrates Latinx identity through imagery like the Aztec calendar, the Quetzalcoatl feathered serpent god, and colorful cityscapes that reflect urban vibrancy and ancestral memory.

Children play beside the mural, their laughter mingling with the stories of history, migration, and joy embedded in the artwork. Nearby, a metal fence sculpture titled Agarrados de la mano by Fulgencio Lazo features two women holding hands, their intertwined forms symbolizing unity, cultural pride, and mutual aid. As Lazo explains, “It is my hope that this sculpture in metal will be a visual reminder of our collective commitment to embrace our cultural identities.”


Castle Argyle: A Tribute to Hollywood’s Past and Present

In the heart of Hollywood, the nearly 100-year-old Castle Argyle Apartments offers another brilliant example of place-based storytelling through public art. A large-scale mosaic titled Interconnections Over the City brings the glamour of old Hollywood into conversation with the city’s diverse, modern identity.
“The idea behind the mosaic art is to highlight what Hollywood has been in the past and its look into the future.” Says Muralist Roberto Biaggi. Originally from Puerto Rico, Roberto is an artist, dedicated to design architecture, art direction, scenography, paintings, furniture design and filmmaker.

A central female figure, styled with vintage elegance, presides over a cityscape dotted with landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre and Castle Argyle itself. A horizontal pink line divides night and day, history, and future, creating a bridge between the past and present. At the top, three diverse faces form a triangle—representing inclusiveness, equality, and the changing face of Hollywood.

The piece is rich with symbolism: golden lines crisscross the sky, forming a pattern of unity and interconnectedness. This artwork reflects not only the dreams of those who once arrived in Los Angeles with stars in their eyes but also those who call it home today.

Ethiopian Village: Honoring Heritage and Hope

At Ethiopian Village in Seattle, the public art speaks to deep cultural roots and forward-looking hope. Led by renowned Eritrean Ethiopian American artist Yegizaw “Yeggy” Michael, the work features culturally significant symbols that resonate with the Ethiopian and East African diaspora. “My motivation and inspiration starts from what has stayed close to my heart, African people and culture.”

The Jebena, a traditional clay coffee pot, evokes the sacred ritual of coffee-making, ceremony of peace, reflection, and community. The Mesob, a woven basket table, speaks to the tradition of sharing meals and stories. The Adey Abeba, or yellow daisy, blooming during the Ethiopian New Year, stands for renewal and future generations. Radiant sun motifs reflect both the warmth of the homeland and a bright path forward.

This work was developed in partnership with a local art steering committee, ensuring that community voices guided its creation. Together, they helped shape a visual narrative that honors resilience, connection, and cultural continuity.


Ann Thomas Presbyterian: Community Creations

In Philadelphia, the completion of a new mural from artist Kelly Prevard, appears on the Ann Thomas Presbyterian Apartments. This mural is a collaboration with HumanGood, Mural Arts Philadelphia and Philadelphia Corporation of Aging and is funded through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Initiative, is called Threads of Joy: Celebrating the Golden Years.

“Through my artwork I attempt to bridge the gap, to humanize the dehumanized. So that we can connect to people on an emotional level, and not see them as stereotypes, statistics, or caricatures but see them as fully realized human beings.” – Kelly Prevard

The mural is inspired through the artist interacting with the residents in community-based events. In addition, residents had direct input by participating in an art club and various other artmaking activities. The mural is truly authentic to the residents that call this community home.

The murals, sculptures, and mosaics that grace our affordable housing communities are more than decoration—they are expressions of history, voices of identity, and bridges between neighbors. Each artist brings their unique vision and experience, transforming ordinary spaces into living stories that connect residents with their shared heritage and inspires new forms of expression. Through their creativity, these artists foster understanding, celebrate diversity, and kindle a sense of pride and belonging. Art, in the hands of devoted creators, truly makes our communities not just places to live, but places to connect, remember, and thrive.


 

 


Clark Terrace Construction Completion

Posted by Alanna.Lopez@beacondevgroup.com on Tue, Jul 1, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Acquisition/Rehab, Beacon, California, Construction

As of June 2025, Clark Terrace Apartments has reached final completion. Located in the city of Norco, California, this is the third preservation-rehabilitation project that Beacon Development Group and HumanGood Affordable Housing completed under HUD’s RAD for PRAC (Rental Assistance Demonstration for Project Rental Assistance Contracts) program. Clark Terrace Apartments are two 2-story apartment buildings consisting of 80 one-bedroom units which serve low-income seniors 62 years of age and older. The HUD RAD for PRAC program is an important program that HumanGood uses to extend and preserve critical affordable housing communities for seniors. The rehabilitation consisted of new office spaces, conference room and break room for property management along with an updated community room, mail room, gym, lounge and laundry room for residents.





A Busy and Inspiring Season at Beacon Development Group

Posted by Alanna.Lopez@beacondevgroup.com on Fri, Jun 13, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Beacon, California, Pennsylvania, Washington

The BDG team at their Annual Retreat in Leavenworth, Wa!

May was packed with events that deepened partnerships, highlighted our work, and strengthened our community.

Into the Woods – Beacon’s Annual Retreat

This spring, the Beacon team gathered at Sleeping Lady Resort in Leavenworth, Washington, for a three-day retreat focused on connection, growth, and rejuvenation. Surrounded by nature, we launched our seven-week Positive Intelligence program, set goals for the year ahead, and received updates on the state of the business. Evening activities, like s’mores by the fire and karaoke, fueled camaraderie and lifted spirits. The team left feeling energized, aligned, and ready for the year ahead.

Connections in California

We welcomed the HumanGood Affordable Housing East Development team to California with a kickoff dinner at Fog Harbor Fish House in San Francisco. Throughout the week, Beacon and HumanGood teams toured projects across Northern and Southern California—including Rotary Terrace, Rotary Plaza, Frederick Douglas Haynes Gardens, and Morgan Hill Senior Housing—highlighting the design and materials behind West Coast affordable housing.

On May 15, 2025, Beacon Development Group attended the 2025 NorCal Affordable Housing Supplier Diversity Summit in San Francisco, CA. This event included multiple affordable housing industry partners and provided an exciting, educational networking experience focused on Assembly Bill 2873, which promotes diversity within affordable housing suppliers. Our team was able to connect with a talented pool of diverse suppliers, including minority, women, LGBTQIA+, and disabled veteran business enterprises as well as other affordable housing developers. Through these connections, our team gained valuable insight on how our industry partners have begun to implement AB 2873 reporting and compliance requirements.

Connections in Washington

Back in Seattle, SMR Architects hosted a casual happy hour at Zeitgeist Coffee, where project partners connected over art walks and upcoming travel plans. Walsh Construction followed with a Lunch and Learn, where engaging conversations over lunch strengthened bonds and sparked ideas for future projects.

Celebrating Community

During Affordable Housing Week, Beacon joined festivities at Filipino Community Village, complete with games, food, and community spirit. We also attended Housing Hope’s annual Stone Soup Gala in Tulalip, a powerful evening supporting their mission through stories, conversations, and shared commitment.

Investing in Emerging Leaders

We proudly supported intern Ethan Cano as he presented his thesis on the link between office space development and gentrification in Seattle. Beacon staff attended and were impressed by his thoughtful research and insight.

At Beacon, building strong communities and connections is at the heart of our work and culture. May’s events reminded us of our impact and reinvigorated our shared mission.





2025 Housing California Conference

Posted by Alanna.Lopez@beacondevgroup.com on Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 9:30 PM
California, Construction, Senior Housing

Beacon Development Group team members—Monalisa, Justin, Peggy, Madeline, Matt, George—attended the Housing California conference in Sacramento, CA.

From March 5th-7th, members of the Beacon Development Group, who work with our communities and development projects in the California geographic footprint, attended the Housing California conference in Sacramento. This year marked the event’s highly anticipated return to the state capital, generating a lot of excitement. Throughout the day, BDG team members participated in workshops covering a range of topics, including the current landscape of the affordable housing industry, insurance, lending and investment trends, construction solutions, and the latest federal housing policy crisis. In addition, staff had the opportunity to network with industry peers, vendors and key investors and lenders. Building these relationships is crucial as we navigate the evolving financial and policy landscape.


Beacon Development Group Knows How to Have Summer Fun!

Posted by beacon on Fri, Oct 11, 2024 at 9:12 PM
Beacon, California, Press, Uncategorized, Washington

This summer, our teams in California and Washington came together for an unforgettable series of events that celebrated collaboration, innovation, and community spirit.

In California, the BDG summer outing in San Francisco was a true highlight! The day began with an intriguing visit to Alcatraz Island, where the team explored the infamous old federal prison and soaked up its rich history. Following that adventure, they enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf, culminating in a delightful lunch at Scoma’s Restaurant. It was a perfect blend of fun, food, and exploration!

Meanwhile, our WA team embraced a beloved Seattle tradition by attending a Mariners game. The festivities kicked off with tasty game day bites at Hatback’s restaurant, and the excitement continued as we headed to T-Mobile Park to cheer on the Mariners in their victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. With sunshine, thrilling baseball, and the camaraderie that defines our team, it was a day to remember.

Here’s to more amazing moments together!



 


Construction Completion of Morgan Hill Senior Housing

Posted by beacon on Mon, Sep 16, 2024 at 8:38 PM
California, Construction, Senior Housing, Sustainable Buildings

We are excited to celebrate the recent completion of the Morgan Hill Senior Housing community. This community is a partnership between HumanGood Affordable Housing and Sunnyvale Life, Inc and is our second project collaboration together in the South Bay Area. This new construction 3-story apartment building consists of 81 one-bedroom apartment units which will serve low-income seniors 62+ and with disabilities.

The community is also partners with Santa Clara Health Plan (SCHP), a community-focused health plan committed to improving health and wellness. Fourteen (14) units are reserved for Special Needs residents who are transitioning from skilled nursing facilities to independent living.

Morgan Hill Senior Housing offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the lifestyle of its residents. Interior features include a welcoming lobby, offices for the manager and service coordinator, a community room, a secured laundry room, a media room, a fitness center, and a third-floor roof deck with open space. Outdoor amenities include a meditation court, a beautifully landscaped courtyard with raised planters managed by residents, and an outdoor BBQ area.

 

In February 2025, Morgan Hill Senior Housing earning the GreenPoint Rated Platinum Certification. A monument plaque displayed onsite proudly represents this

 accomplishment, demonstration to our residents that their community was built with a strong emphasis on quality construction, comfort, health, and energy efficiency—enabling them to live their best lives.


Oregon and California Project Finance Closings

Posted by beacon on Tue, Mar 19, 2024 at 9:22 PM
Acquisition/Rehab, California, Oregon, Senior Housing

Rendering by DBA Architecture and Planning, PC

We are proud to announce the recent closing on two affordable senior housing communities. We completed our first acquisition-preservation l closing in the state of Oregon for the rehabilitation of Olive Plaza Apartments. This 12-story apartment building with 150 one-bedroom units is located in downtown Eugene. With the help of The City of Eugene, Oregon Housing and Community Services, HUD, Enterprise and Umpqua Bank, we will be able to modernize the 40-year-old building and preserve and extend the HUD Section 8 HAP for another 20-years.  This will allow us continue serving low-income seniors 62 years of age and older. 

In addition, Clark Terrace in Norco, California also closed financing. This project is the third rehabilitation Beacon Development Group and HumanGood Affordable Housing have undertaken under HUD’s RAD for PRAC (Rental Assistance Demonstration for Project Rental Assistance Contracts) program. Clark Terrace two adjacent 2-story apartment buildings consisting of 80 one-bedroom total units which serve low-income seniors 62 years of age and older.


Canterbury Village & The Gardens Construction Completion

Posted by beacon on Fri, Dec 22, 2023 at 7:14 PM
California, Construction, Occupied Rehabs, Senior Housing

Following several years of advocacy and the historic overhaul of HUD’s RAD for PRAC (Rental Assistance Demonstration for Project Rental Assistance Contracts) program, Beacon is happy to announce the completed redevelopments of one of the first RAD for PRAC (LIHTC) funded projects in the nation. Canterbury Village and The Gardens which provide 64 and 75 units respectively, have both reached construction completion! Canterbury Village in Santa Clarita, CA completed construction in June 2023 after a 13-month rehab. Meanwhile, The Gardens in Glendale, CA finished rehabilitation a few months later in August 2023 after 14-months.

Both projects included renovations of their property management offices, laundry rooms, libraries and community rooms. The building’s plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems were completely overhauled. New mailbox locations and elevator shafts work has been completed as well. On the exterior; window framing, paint, egress and parking pavement have been updated. Residents enjoy remodeled kitchens, new bathroom, flooring, and windows.

These 139 units, which have provided housing to low-income seniors for over 30 years, will now be able to continue to serve the community for the next 30 years.


MORGAN HILL SENIOR HOUSING REACHES 50% COMPLETION

Posted by beacon on Thu, Dec 7, 2023 at 5:53 PM
California, Construction, Senior Housing

In the South Bay Area of Northern California, Morgan Hill Senior Housing, the partnership community between HumanGood Affordable Housing and Sunnyvale Life, Inc. has reached its 50% construction completion milestone. This 3-story apartment’s new construction consists of 82 large one-bedroom units which will be serving low-income seniors 62+ and adults with disabilities.

On the building’s interior, the rough mechanical, electrical and plumbing are being completed along with the roofing and window installation. In the coming months, the building exterior stucco and paint, outdoor, drought tolerant landscaping, and a covered walkway to the drop-off area and resident parking lot will be completed. Solar stanchions have been installed throughout the entire roof top to accommodate for the photovoltaic solar panels to power this fully electric building. Interior features include a welcoming lobby, manager and service coordinator offices, community room, secured laundry room, fitness center and lounge on the 3rd floor with roof deck open space.

This is the second affordable housing partnership project between HumanGood Affordable Housing and Sunnyvale Life, Inc. with their first being a rehabilitation of Life’s Garden community in Sunnyvale, CA back in 2016. Construction completion of Morgan Hill Senior Housing is scheduled for summer 2024.


HumanGood provides clean, renewable energy for residents and communities

Posted by beacon on Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 5:16 PM
Acquisition/Rehab, California, Construction, Sustainable Buildings, Washington

Solar panel installation reduces carbon footprint and costs for affordable housing sector.

HumanGood has been making strides in our efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and costs for our properties and residents. Beacon Development Group, HumanGood’s development arm, has been installing solar panels on new affordable housing communities and rehabilitation projects using two solar technologies: solar photovoltaic, which uses sunlight to generate electric currents, and thermal, which uses sunlight to heat water used in the communities. Currently, more than a dozen affordable housing communities own their own solar system whether it is solar electric or solar hot water. Outside ownership, there are also other options to provide these technologies for our communities.

DCIM/100MEDIA/DJI_0086.JPG

The Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) and Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) programs help provide clean energy and save costs for residents at no cost to the property. The programs are offered to select California utility providers and present financial benefits, improve environmental sustainability, and offset the costs of climate change for communities. Approximately 50 percent of the solar produced will reduce residents’ energy bills while the other 50 percent benefits the communities themselves.

“We have the footprint across our portfolio to use the sun to power our buildings and in some cases, heat the water used by our residents,” said George Sousou, construction management director, Beacon Development Group. “There are many benefits to solar whether it’s the reduction in our buildings’ carbon footprint, the cost savings to daily operations and residents, or just doing our part of being responsible building owners.”

Beacon’s construction management department installed solar technology on four HumanGood affordable housing communities across California through the SOMAH program: Valley Vista, Judson Terraces Homes, Life’s Garden, and Sycamore Terrace. Fern Lodge is also 75 percent complete with its installation. Beacon plans to complete installation at six more communities in the next year under a contract with SunRun.

 “I hope to one day see solar and other renewable energy alternatives across our entire portfolio of affordable housing and life plan communities,” said Sousou. By the end of 2024, Beacon plans to install solar panels in a total of 23 HumanGood affordable housing communities in California.


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